Acmena smithii Cherry Surprise - Small Leaf Lilly Pilly

Acmena smithii 'Cherry Surprise' - Small Leaf Lilly Pilly Acmena 'Cherry Surprise' is an attractive evergreen Lilly Pilly prized for its colourful new growth, dense foliage and naturally compact habit. Fresh growth emerges in striking shades of cherry-red to bronze, gradually maturing to a rich glossy green and creating beautiful colour contrast throughout the year. Dense and naturally bushy, 'Cherry Surprise' is an excellent choice for hedging, screening, borders and general landscaping. It responds extremely well to regular pruning, making it easy to maintain as a neat formal hedge or allow to develop into a more natural screening shrub. One of its biggest advantages is its excellent resistance to Lilly Pilly psyllid, making it a particularly good choice for gardeners wanting an attractive, reliable and relatively low-maintenance hedge. Position Plant in full sun to part shade. For the densest growth and strongest colour in the new foliage, a position receiving plenty of sunlight is ideal. It is adaptable to a range of garden conditions and performs particularly well in the warm subtropical climate of South East Queensland. Growth Approximately 3 metres tall when allowed to grow naturally. It can easily be maintained considerably lower with regular pruning and is particularly well suited to hedges around 1.5–2.5 metres high. Planting Guide 'Cherry Surprise' prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic matter but is adaptable to most soil types. Plant in spring or autumn for the best results, spacing plants around 75cm part if using in a border or hedge. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, position the plant at the correct depth, water well, and apply mulch to retain soil moisture. Plant Care Water regularly during the establishment period and during dry spells to keep the soil moist. An annual application of mulch will help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage dense growth. Fertilise in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to support healthy foliage and flowering.